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Ancient & Classical Cultures

Megasites

A Walk Through Time
http://physics.nist.gov/GenInt/Time/time.html
Ancient calendars, the earliest clocks, and the revolution of timekeeping.
Ancient Scripts and Languages
http://www.ancientscripts.com/
This site provides information on ancient languages, such as the language family and pronunciation, as well as the written characters of any ancient language you can imagine.
Collapse: Why Do Civilizations Fall?
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/collapse/
With hands-on activities, color images, and text, this site explores theories as to why civilizations end. Focuses on the Mayans, the ancient city of Copan, Mesopotamia and more.
HyperHistory: 3000 Years of World History
http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/History_n2/a.html
A clickable chart of people and events throughout human history. Take a look!
Images From History
http://www.hartford-hwp.com/image_archive/
An archive of photos illustrating artifacts, cave and rock art, and architecture from various ancient cultures and periods.
Internet Ancient History Sourcebook
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/asbook.html
Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Israel, Greece, Rome, Hellenistic World and more.
Museums of Ancient Inventions
http://www.smith.edu/hsc/museum/ancient_inventions/hsclist.htm
An illustrated archive of the significant human inventions from the ancient world.
Secrets of Lost Empires
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/
NOVA Online connects you with "the technology and human ingenuity of these civilizations by attempting to recreate these monuments -- using only the tools available to the ancients." Stonehenge, Inca, Obelisk, and the Colosseum.
Timelines
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/timelines/
Agricultural and cultural changes in various parts of the world from the end of the ice age through the sixteenth century are identified.

Africa

African History
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/africa/history/index.htm
This site describes the various cultural changes that took place on the African continent from 6000 B.C and 1500 AD. Be sure to click on the underlined words in the text to link to even more information.
African Voices
http://www.mnh.si.edu/africanvoices/
Click on "History" at the bottom of the screen to learn about early human history in Africa, an ancient city in Mali, and about Muslim Africans, the Almoravids, who ruled Spain in the twelfth century.
Ancient Africa
http://www.mrdowling.com/609ancafr.html
Learn about traditional African history tellers, the Nok Culture, trade, and other cultures of Ancient Africa.
Ancient Egypt and Interior Africa
http://www.egypt-tehuti.org/articles/interior-africa.html
Trade items and trade routes between Africa and Egypt.
Ancient Gold Center Discovered on the Nile
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/06/070619-gold-nile.html
A newly discovered archeological site in Sudan may have been one of the sources for the gold used in Egyptian artifacts.
Carthage
http://www.livius.org/cao-caz/carthage/carthage.html
From the founding of Carthage as a Phoenician colony to the Roman period.
Civilizations of Africa: Axum
http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/CIVAFRCA/AXUM.HTM
The history of this important state on the Horn of Africa.
Collapse-Mali & Songhai
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/collapse/mali.html
Why did the Mali and Songhai kingdoms collapse? Find out at this site.
History of Timbuktu, Mali
http://www.timbuktufoundation.org/history.html
The history of this important West African trading center.
Napata
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/archaeology/sites/africa/napata.html
A brief history of the site that marked the southern limits of ancient Egypt and that became the center of the Nubian empire.
Mancala
http://www.tradgames.org.uk/games/Mancala.htm
Learn about one of the most popular games of Africa, one that has been played as early as the fourteenth century B.C.
Timbuktu, Mali
http://www.history.com/classroom/unesco/timbuktu.html
Learn the history of this economic and cultural center of West Africa.

Asia Minor/Anatolia

Ancient Anatolia
http://www.country-studies.com/turkey/ancient-anatolia.html
A summary of the various peoples occupying ancient Anatolia, from Troy to the Seleucids.
Ancient Districts of Aegean Anatolia
http://www.ancientanatolia.com/sites/ancient_districts.htm
Click on the map names to read about these important areas in ancient Anatolia.
Catal Huyuk
http://www.focusmm.com/civcty/cathyk00.htm
A description of the Neolithic Anatolian city, Catal Huyuk, one of the earliest cities ever uncovered. Also read about the kind of activities that go on at an archeological site.
History of Anatolia
http://www.ualr.edu/mxsarimollao/turkiye/history_4.htm
A history of the many people inhabiting ancient Anatolia from the Bronze Age through early Christian times.
The Hittites
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/HITTITES.HTM
A brief history of the Hittites and a description of their laws and religion.
The Hittites
http://lexicorient.com/e.o/hittites.htm
A brief history of the Hittites and description of their economy and culture.
Lydia
http://www.livius.org/lu-lz/lydia/lydia.html
A history of the Anatolian kingdom of Lydia from the thirteenth century to 133 BCE.
Mysteries of Catal Huyuk
http://www.smm.org/catal/top.php
Find out what the archeologists have found at the ancient city of Catal Huyuk, and take a virtual tour of the site.
Sardis: Ancient King's Legendary Gold
http://www.library.cornell.edu/colldev/mideast/sardis.htm
Learn about the capital of the Lydians and why the legendary King Croesus had the golden touch.
Uratian Period in Anatolia
http://www.ancientanatolia.com/historical/urartian_period.htm
A history of this important state in Eastern Anatolia.

Aztecs

The Ancient Aztecs
http://library.thinkquest.org/27981/
This site explores Aztec culture, technology, religion, and a timeline of Aztec rulers.
Aztec Calendar
http://www.azteccalendar.com/
Learn the day of the year according to the Aztec calendar, then click on the links at the left side of the screen to learn more about the calendar and Aztec gods and goddesses.
Aztec Calendar Stone
http://www.crystalinks.com/aztecalendar.html
This site describes the different numbering systems found on the Aztec Calendar Stone and what the symbols on the stone mean.
Aztec Food and Drink
http://library.thinkquest.org/27981/food.html
Important foods valued by the Aztec.
Aztec Gods--Who's Who
http://www.aztec-history.com/aztec-gods.html
The major Aztec gods and their myths.
Aztec Mythology
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/mythology/aztec_culture.html&edu=mid
Read the stories behind the Aztec Gods Earth, Moon, Rain, Sun and others.
Aztec Religion
http://library.thinkquest.org/27981/beliefs.html
A description of Aztec religion, important gods, and the Aztec Underworld.
The Aztecs
http://home.freeuk.com/elloughton13/aztecs.htm
This site has information about Aztec history, religion, archeological sites, and everyday life. Click on the sun stone to enter. This site is also available in Spanish.
The Aztecs
http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/nettsch/time/aztec.html
This site, from Nettlesworth Primary School, is great for younger students. It has information about important people and events, arts & crafts, daily life, the military, Tenochtitlan, and fun & games.

Caribbean

Arawak
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/southamerica/arawak.html
A short overview of the history, language, daily life and more, of the Arawak.
Carib
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/southamerica/carib.html
A very short article on the location, language, and daily life of these people.
The Caribs in Dominica
http://www.avirtualdominica.com/caribs.htm
Part of a larger site about Dominica, this page provides a history of the Carib people as well as information regarding their current existence.
Pre-Columbian Hispaniola: Arawak/Taino Indians
http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/43a/100.html
A long article that discusses the lifestyle, housing and dress, food and agriculture, religion and myth, etc. of the Arawak Indians.
Taino Indians of Puerto Rico
http://www.elboricua.com/BoricuaKidsTainos.html
A long article that discusses the lifestyle, housing and dress, food and agriculture, religion and myth, etc. of the Arawak Indians.

Celts and British Isles

Ancient Celts and British Isles Page
http://www.ares.u-net.com/celtindx.htm
Information about Celts from archaeologist and writer, Simon James.
The Celts
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MA/CELTS.HTM
Celtic history, social organization, religion, and Celtic societies in Gaul, Britain and Ireland.
Iron Age Celts
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/celts/factfile/
This site explores housing, clothing, religion, the roles of men and women, and arts and crafts. Click on the Stories & Games tab for more activities.
Iron Age Everyday Life in Scotland
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/scottishhistory/earlyscotland/bronzeiron/Iron_Age_Everyday_Life/index.asp
How the Celts in Scotland lived, what they believed, what they wore, and what they ate. Use the arrows in the upper right corner to move through the site.
Encyclopaedia of the Celts
http://www.isle-of-skye.org.uk/celtic-encyclopaedia/celt_ind.htm
Encyclopaedia of people, events, and more about the Celts.
Internet Medieval Sourcebook: The Celtic World
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook1g.html
Celtic history, daily life, deities, culture and more.
Iron Age Homes and Settlements in Scotland
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/scottishhistory/earlyscotland/bronzeiron/Iron_Age_Homes_and_Settlements/index.asp
A description of Celt and other settlements in Scotland. Use the arrows in the upper right corner to move through the site.
Stonehenge Builders' Houses Found
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6311939.stm
A report on the excavation of a Neolithic settlement that may provide more information on the purpose of the Stonehenge site.
Timeline of Celtic Arts and Culture
http://www.unc.edu/celtic/mapsindex.html
A timeline of Celtic sites, significant dates, and artistic styles from 800 BC to Viking times .
The World of the Celts
http://www.gallica.co.uk/celts/contents.htm
A site that includes information on the clothing, houses, art, and other features of Celtic Britain.

China

See also Imperial China

Ancient China
http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCCHINA/ANCCHINA.HTM
Much information on early Chinese dynasties, Chinese poetry and philosophy. Click on "Contents" on the left side of the screen.
Ancient Tombs
http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/archae/2tommain.htm
What we've learned from excavating Chinese tombs of the Neolithic Period to the Han Dynasty
Bronze Age China
http://www.nga.gov/education/chinatp_pt2.htm
Learn about the Xia and Shang Dynasties and see photos of some objects from that period.
Chinese, the Great Wall of China
http://library.thinkquest.org/C004471/tep/en/cultures/chinese.html
How the Great Wall changed over the periods of its construction.
Chinese Writing 8000 Years Old
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6669569.stm
Pictorial symbols carved into cliff sides may indicate that Chinese characters were being written 8,000 years ago.
The Great Wall of China
http://www.mrdowling.com/613-greatwall.html
A brief history of the Great Wall.
The Great Wall of China From Space
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/radar/sircxsar/gwall.html
Here is what the Great Wall looks like from space. Click on the smaller image to get a bigger one.
History of China
http://www-chaos.umd.edu/history/toc.html
Discusses the ancient dynasties, the Imperial Period, and on to modern Chinese history.
Late Prehistoric China
http://www.nga.gov/education/chinatp_pt1.htm
This site from the National Gallery of Art describes the beginning of civilization in China; look for photos of some objects from that period.
Math in Ancient China
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/science/chinamath.htm
A brief history of mathematics in China.
The Culture of China: Living and Values
http://library.thinkquest.org/20443/g_living.html?tqskip1=1&tqtime=1110
Social structure, medicine, food and other characteristics of life in China.

Early Man & the Stone Age

Ancient Pig DNA Study Sheds New Light on Colonization of Europe by Early Farmers
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070903204822.htm
Why the domesticated pig's DNA suggests that domesticated animals and farming techniques may have been brought to Stone Age Europe from the Middle East.
Atlas of the Human Journey
https://genographic.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/atlas.html
An interactive atlas of the spread of man across the earth produced by National Geographic. Click on the time bar to see the location of important sites of the period, then click on red dots for more information.
Cave Fossils Are Early Europeans
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6099422.stm
A report of new human fossil finds in Roumania dating to 30,000 years ago. According to the excavators, these fossils have features of both modern humans and Neanderthals.
The Cave of Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc
http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/chauvet/en/
Visit the cave virtually and then explore the history and research connected to the cave.
Egypt Footprint
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6956902.stm
A report of the discovery of a footprint found in the western desert of Egypt, dating perhaps two million years ago.
Hominid Species Timeline
http://www.wsu.edu:8001/vwsu/gened/learn-modules/top_longfor/timeline/timeline.html
A timeline from the earliest hominids to modern humans. By clicking on the blue links below the timeline, you can read much more detail about each species.
Human Prehistory: An Exhibition
http://users.hol.gr/~dilos/prehis.htm
This site introduces key figures involved in the study of evolution, including Darwin, Charles Lyell, and T.H. Huxley and then discussed the Lucy, the earliest known human skeleton found in Africa. The site also presents the first human creation of cave art and how villages first formed.
The Iceman
http://www.archaeologiemuseum.it/en/oetzi-the-iceman
The South Tyrol Museum of Archeology provides information on this ice age hunter, his clothing and equipment. Click on the topics on the left side of the screen.
Mothers of Time
http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/exhibitions/archeo/paleofig/pal01eng.shtml
In English or French, this site charts the chronology of the end of the ice age, and more.
Prehistoric Humans
http://www.kidspast.com/world-history/0001-prehistoric-humans.php
Homo Habilis, Homo Erectus, Homo Sapiens, Neaderthal, Cro Magnon--they're all here. Just keep clicking on the "Next" arrow at the bottom of the text.
A Science Odyssey: Human Evolution
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/evolution/
Try this activity to learn about human evolution including Lucy, fossils and more.
Stone Age Habitats
http://www.aerobiologicalengineering.com/wxk116/StoneAge/Habitats/
Learn how temperature and evolution changed the way people lived. Images and drawings support the text.
Stone Age Man Used Dentist Drill
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4882968.stm
Fossilized stone age teeth found in Pakistan show evidence of dental work with flint drills.

Egyptians

Generalities

Ancient Egypt
http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/menu.html
At this site from the British Museum, learn about Egyptian life, geography, gods & goddesses, mummification, Pharoahs, pyramids, temples, timekeeping, trades and writing. Each section has a story to read, information to explore, and a challenge to complete.
Ancient Egyptian Culture Exhibit
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/egypt/
Learn about the history of Egypt, its kingdoms, religion, geography, social structure and daily life.
Ancient Egyptian Geography and Agriculture
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/egypt/dailylife/geographyandagriculture.html
How geography and particularly the flooding of the Nile influenced the diet of the Ancient Egyptians.
Color Tour of Egypt
http://www.memphis.edu/egypt/map.php
Take a color tour of ancient Egyptian sites and Egyptian artifacts. Choose your city destination along the Nile from a clickable map!
Egypt
http://carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/EGYPT/homepg.html
The Odyssey Online, by Emory University, includes crisp, clickable photos and clear information about burial, daily life, mythology, pharaohs, nobles, priests, scribes, farmers, slaves, and also includes maps and teacher resources. Click on the audio speakers to hear words pronounced.
Egypt Fun Guide
http://www.seaworld.org/fun%2Dzone/fun%2Dguides/egypt/index.htm
From Sea World, this site has an Egypt crossword puzzle, hieroglyphics, mummy maze, make your own cartouche and more.
Egyptian Gods
http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/egypt/index.htm
A list of Egyptian gods with links to descriptions and other symbols in Egyptian mythology.
Egyptian Kings
http://touregypt.net/Kings.htm
Brief biographies of Egyptian kings from 2920 BC to 565 AD.
Egyptomania
http://clevelandart.org/kids/egypt/index.html
This site for younger children includes quick and fun facts, a quiz, the book of the dead, ancient Egypt coloring templates, facts vs. fiction, and instructions how to make a pharaoh death mask.
Guardian's Ancient Egypt Kids Connection
http://www.guardians.net/egypt/kids/index.htm
Scroll down to access many activities related to Ancient Egypt.
Life in Ancient Egypt
http://www.carnegiemnh.org/exhibitions/egypt/guide.htm
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History's Egypt exhibit explores daily life, customs, gods and religion, and more. Click on photographs to enlarge the picture and receive more information about the object.
Mark Millmore's Ancient Egypt
http://www.eyelid.co.uk/
Information about pyramids and temples, kings, queens, and pharoahs, hieroglyphics, and more.
Mysteries of the Nile
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/egypt/
This site from NOVA online explores old and new kingdoms of Egypt, the pyramids, and more.
Pharonic Egypt
http://www.bibalex.org/Libraries/Presentation/Static/13511.aspx#1
Many links to information on the history and the arts of Egypt from the first dynasty until Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Great.
Reeder's Egypt Page
http://www.egyptology.com/reeder/
Explore ancient tombs, learn the meanings of ancient symbols and see Egyptian paintings and photographs.
The Story of the Rosetta Stone
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/egypt/hieroglyphics/rosettastone.html
The story of when the Rosetta Stone was produced and how it was translated.
Theban Mapping Project
http://www.thebanmappingproject.com/
Visit and tour major monuments in Thebes and on the Nile then explore the tombs of ancient pharaohs. Or observe an excavation in progress. Clear and colorful graphics and photographs make a stop at this page a must!
Virtual Museum of Egyptian Art
http://www.touregypt.net/museum/
This site has photos of objects from all the important periods of Ancient Egyptian art.

Mummies

Mummy Maker
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/launch_gms_mummy_maker.shtml
Play this game and interactively prepare a mummy in the Egyptian fashion.
Mummies of Ancient Egypt
http://www2.si.umich.edu//chico/mummy/
Explains what mummies are, how they are made, who were mummies, and about Egyptian afterlife. The site also explains the hieroglyphs alphabet, includes a glossary and timeline.
Why Mummies
http://www.uen.org/utahlink/tours/tourFames.cgi?tour_id=10053
Explains why Egyptians mummified their dead.

Pyramids

At the Tomb of Tutankhamen
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/egypt/
From National Geographic online, this site explores the tomb's original discovery in 1923.
The Pyramids: Design and Construction
http://www.touregypt.net/construction/
From the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, this site explores the theories behind how the pyramids were created.
Pyramids: The Inside Story
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/pyramid/
NOVA Online's adventure into ancient pyramids has detailed graphics and easy to understand text. Because this PBS site is heavily used and has many graphics, the page loads slower than others do.

Greeks

See also Alexander the Great

Ancient Greece
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ancientgreece/main_menu.shtml
The BBC created this Ancient Greece site.
Ancient Greece
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/index.htm
Portland State University education students provided middle school level information about ancient Greek life, now maintained by historyforkids.org.
Ancient Greek Civilization
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/aegean/
Learn about Homer, Athens and Sparta, medicine in ancient Greece, and more.
The Ancient Greeks
http://www.arwhead.com/Greeks/
Culture, people, and history of ancient Greece.
The Ancient Olympics
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/sports.html
What sports were at the ancient Olympics? Take a virtual tour and find out.
Daily Live in Ancient Greece
http://ancienthistory.mrdonn.org/Greeklife.html
A collection of topics on ancient Greece, including important Greeks, art, social customs, political organization, etc.
Greek Gods
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002356F/godlibrary.htm
Click on the name of each Greek god to get a synopsis of his or her story.
The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization
http://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/
Learn about famous people in ancient Greece, hear letters of the Greek alphabet pronounced, follow the timeline, or view the animation of the Parthenon. Flash 4 and QuickTime are required for many of the features on this site. Large graphics may lead it to load slowly.
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Greek Mythology
http://www.mythweb.com/encyc/
Click on Index, then on the letter of the topic you are interested in and the site will take you there.

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great
http://1stmuse.com/frames/
The life and times of Alexander the Great.
Alexander the Great
http://www.kidspast.com/world-history/0074-alexander-the-great.php
The life Alexander the Great, from his education by Aristotle to his death.
Hellenistic Greece
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/history/hellenistic.htm
How Alexander the Great's conquests changed Greek civilization.

Hebrews/Holy Land

See also Islam/Muslim

1200 B.C. The Phoenicians
http://www.lebanon2000.com/ph.htm
Information on Phoenician history, their alphabet and political organization, and their importance in the trade of the Eastern Mediterranen.
Archeological Sites in Israel
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/history/early%20history%20-%20archaeology/Cumulative%20table%20of%20contents%20-%20Archeological%20Sites
Click on links to learn about the many important excavations of sites in Israel, including photos of monuments as well as objects that have been uncovered. Sites span the neolithic through medieval periods. Be patient while the site loads.
Hebrews
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/HEBREWS/HEBREWS.HTM
The history and religion of the ancient Hebrews.
Heritage: Civilization and the Jews
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/heritage/
This PBS companion site provides a history of the Hebrews and Jewish faith from 3800 BC to the present.
Internet Jewish History Sourcebook
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/jewish/jewishsbook.html
Information about Judaism including the people of Israel, emergence of Judaism, Middle Ages, Enlightenment, and more.
The Mysterious Nabateans
http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/his_nabateans.html
A brief history of this people from the region that is now Jordan and Israel.
Petra, The Lost City of Stone
http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/petra/
An illustrated history of Petra by the American Museum of Natural History, from its founding by Arabian nomads called the Nabataeans through its annexation by the Romans, its great earthquake in A.D. 363, and the Byzantine era.
Virtual Museum: The Hebrews
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/ancient_hebrews/
A description of the land, history, beliefs and artifacts of the ancient Hebrews.
Who Were the Nabataeans?
http://nabataea.net/who.html
A very complete discussion of this mysterious people .

Incas

Daily Life in the Inca Empire
http://incas.mrdonn.org/empire.html
Learn about the Incan people, their architecture, roads, government, farming, religion, and more .
Ice Mummies of the Inca
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/peru/
NOVA Online explores the lost world discovered on this expedition. High graphics may lead the site to load slowly. Text version is available.
Ice Treasures of the Inca
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/96/mummy/
Visit this site by National Geographic where the discovery of a well-preserved body in ice opens up a new door to the world of the ancient Inca.
Inca Civilization
http://www.crystalinks.com/incan.html
History, geography, Incan roads, music, religion and much more are covered here.
Incas
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/CIVAMRCA/INCAS.HTM
A brief introduction to the social organization, agriculture, language, and religion of the Incas.
Incas
http://coe.fgcu.edu/students/webb/meso/inca.htm
Learn about Inca religion, daily life, architecture, recreation, and food.
The Incas
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/cultures/inca.html
Find out about Inca fortifications, social organization, agriculture, and religion.
Tomb Find Reveals Pre-Incan City
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6172530.stm
What a new discovery of tombs and artifacts tells us about the Sican culture, a pre-Incan people.
Towers Point to Ancient Sun Cult
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6408231.stm
A string of thirteen towers, over 2,300 years old, were used to observe the position of the sun over the course of a year.

India

Age of Empires Daily Life 500 BCE to 647 CE
http://india.mrdonn.org/gupta.html
Information about everyday life during the Gupta Empires: housing, food, clothing, social customs, and more.
Ancient India
http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCINDIA/ANCINDIA.HTM
The history and religion of ancient India.
Ancient Indus Valley
http://www.harappa.com/har/har0.html
Learn about Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, two of the oldest urban centers in world history. Lots of photos accompany the description of these ancient Indus sites.
Aryan Civilization Daily Life 1500 to 500 BCE
http://india.mrdonn.org/aryan.html
Lots of information about everyday life: clothing, food, housing, toys, and more.
Indo-Europeans in India
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/india/history/aryan.htm
Who the Indo-Europeans were, and their impact on India.
Indus Valley Civilization Daily Life 3000 to 1500 BCE
hhttp://india.mrdonn.org/indus.html
Find out what is known about the very early Indus civilizations of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
Mohenjo-daro!
http://www.mohenjodaro.net/index.html
Information about everyday life during the Gupta Empires: housing, food, clothing, social customs, and more.
A Timeline of Ancient India
http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/timeline/timeline.htm
Life in ancient India from Prehistory through Independence, with links to important periods and religions.

Islam/Muslims

Arab-Islamic History
http://www.al-bab.com/arab/history.htm
This site explains the birth of Islam, its expansion and spread to Europe and its role in the Crusades.
Early Rise of Islam (632-700)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/earlyrise_1.shtml
This site from the BBC explains how the Muslim faith spread through the Middle East.
Golden Age of Islam
http://regentsprep.org/Regents/global/themes/goldenages/islam.cfm
"Islamic civilization experienced a golden age under the Abbassid Dynasty, which ruled from the mid 8th century until the mid 13th century. Under the Abbassids, Islamic culture became a blending of Arab, Persian, Egyptian, and European traditions. The result was an era of stunning intellectual and cultural achievements."
Internet Islamic History Sourcebook
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook1d.html#Pre-Islamic%20Arabia
Pre-Islamic Arab world, Muhammad, Islamic faith and theology, expansion and empire, Caliphate, Persians, Turks, Ottomans, interaction with the West during the Crusades, Islamic history maps, Western intrusion, Islamic world since 1945 and more.
Islamic World to 1600
http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/index2.html
Learn about the history of ancient Islam from Islamic beginnings to the rise of the Islamic Empire.
Muhammad, Messenger of God
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ISLAM/MUHAM.HTM
This site describes Mohammed's life and how he united the peoples of the Arabian peninsula as a prophet of Islam.
Pre-Islamic Arabic Culture
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ISLAM/PRE.HTM
Find out about early Arabia and the three pre-Islamic peoples that inhabited the peninsula: the Sabaeans, the Bedouin, and the Arabs that settled the oases and along major trade routes.
Sultans of Science: 1000 Years of Knowledge Rediscovered
http://www.sultans-of-science.com/
Learn about how different fields of science, such as astronomy, medicine, engineering, and optics, blossomed during the Golden Age of the Islamic World.

Maoris

The Journey to Aotearoa
http://maaori.com/people/maoriara.htm
Another explanation of the migration of the Maori to their homeland in New Zealand.
The Maori
http://history-nz.org/maori.html
A brief history of the Maoris in New Zealand and their origin as a Polynesian people. Also look at the links on the left hand side of the page for more information on Maori culture, games, and other subjects.
Maori Information
http://www.maori.info/index.htm
Information on Maori culture, history, art, and society, with photos of Maori carving, .
Maori Kites
http://www.art-newzealand.com/Issues1to40/kites.htm
Kites were a serious activity for the Maoris. Read about it here.
Maori Project
http://www.geocities.com/popfam/maori/maori.html
Learn about these New Zealand-native people: food, art and music, health and life expectancy, and their society.

Mayans & Mesoamerica

Ancient Observatories
http://www.exploratorium.edu/ancientobs/chichen/index.html
Find out about the observatory at Chichén Itzá, the ancient Mayan city located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Features information and activities on seasons, alignments, petroglyphs, Mayan mythology, the Mayan calendar, and related topics. From the San Francisco Exploratorium.
Collapse--The Maya
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/collapse/mayans.html
Why did the Mayan culture collapse? Search for clues in this online activity.
Copan Honduras
http://www.misericordia.edu/users/davies/maya/copan.htm
Photos showing important areas of the Mayan ruins at Copan.
Mayans
http://library.thinkquest.org/11577/
Explore Mayan culture, social structure, art, and sciences on this site.
Maya Adventure
http://www.sci.mus.mn.us/sln/ma/
The history and culture of the Maya, from the Science Museum of Minnesota.
The Maya Environment
http://www.michielb.nl/maya/geographical.html
Altitude, rainfall, and temperature.
Maya Society
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/ancientamericas/rulers_13.asp
How the Maya lived.
Mayan Kids
http://www.mayankids.com/
Read about the Mayan people, pyramids and beliefs, or play the Mayan game.
Mayan Writing - Codices
http://www.lost-civilizations.net/mayan-writing-codices.html
The Maya had one of the few writing systems in the Americas. Learn about it, their inscriptions, and the books they produced with it.
Mesoamerican Sites and Cultures
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/meso/mesotable.html
Information about the Aztec, Toltec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Zapotec and Olmec cultures and some of their archaeological sites.
Mesoweb: An Exploration of Mesoamerican Cultures
http://www.mesoweb.com/
Explore Mesoamerican cultures through a study of the people, their art and culture and more by following the links on this page.
Mundo Maya
http://www.mayadiscovery.com/
From Mundo Maya magazine, this site has articles about Mayan archaeology, history, nature, daily life, handicrafts and legends.

Mediterranean

Ancient Mediterranean megasites

The Ancient Aegean
http://www.arthist.umn.edu/aict/html/ancient/artaeg.html
You can find photos of many art works and architectural sites of ancient Crete and the Cycladic Islands at this site.
Maps for Students
http://www.unc.edu/awmc/mapsforstudents.html
Maps of the ancient Aegean, the Latin world, the Byzantine world, Caesar's campaigns, etc.

Etruscans

Ancient Etruscans and Romanization
http://www.mariamilani.com/ancient_civilisation_civilization/ancient_romans_etruscans.htm
How the Etruscans influenced the Romans.
Etruscans
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/romans/history/etruscans.htm
The history and culture of the people who were in Italy before the Romans.
Mysterious Etruscans
http://www.mysteriousetruscans.com/
Find out about the civilization that existed on the Italian peninsula before the Romans.

Minoan Civilization

Ancient Crete
http://www.ancient-greece.org/map/ancient-crete.html
Follow instructions under the map to view sites for Minoan Crete; or click on links to the left of the map for other maps of the Mediterranean area in the Bronze Age.
Crete in Ancient Times
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/worldhistory/cretehistory1.htm
Read here for information about the history, technology (link to Part 2), and religion and the arts (link to Part 3) of ancient Crete by clicking in the box titled "More of this Feature"
Knossos
http://www.dilos.com/location/13370
A description of the most famous Minoan site, the palace at Knossos. This site includes an artist's impression of the palace, as well as photographs of the actual site. Be sure to click on the drop down menu below the photograph to see other parts of the palace.
Minoan Civilization
http://www.dilos.com/location/13406
A history of the Minoan civilization from 2600 to 1100 B.C.E.

Eastern Mediterranean

Ancient Cyprus
http://www.country-studies.com/cyprus/ancient-period.html
A history of ancient Cyprus from 5800 B.C.E through the Roman period.
A Bequest Unearthed, Phoenicia
http://phoenicia.org/toc.html
The Phoenicians were instrumental in disseminating their form of writing which became our modern alphabet and in opening up various civilizations and cultures of the Mediterranean basin to each other.
Oldest Known Pet Cat?
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/04/0408_040408_oldestpetcat.html
Read about a burial site in ancient Cyprus that may be proof of the early companionship of cats and humans.
The Philistines
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/westasia/history/philistines.htm
Learn about these ancient people who connected Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Phoenicia
http://www.lost-civilizations.net/phoenicians-overview.html
A brief description of Phoenicia and its contributions to the ancient Mediterranean area.
Phoenician History
http://www.lost-civilizations.net/phoenicians-history.html
A history of these peoples who traded and established colonies around the Mediterranean Sea.

Mesopotamia

The Assyrians
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/westasia/history/assyrians.htm
A history of the Assyrian Empire from 2300 B.C. to 600 B.C.
The Babylonian Calendar
http://www.livius.org/caa-can/calendar/calendar_babylonian.html
The workings of the Babylonian calendar.
Babylonians
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/oldworld/middle_east/babylonians.html
Learn about the agriculture, buildings and arts and crafts of the Babylonians.
Brief History of Assyrians
http://www.aina.org/aol/peter/brief.htm
Includes geography, language, religion, and a detailed history of Assyrians.
Iraq: Ancient Mesopotamia
http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/bl/bl_iraq.htm
Read about the succession of civilizations that developed in this "fertile crescent".
Map of Ancient Mesopotamia
http://oi.uchicago.edu/OI/PROJ/NIP/PUB93/NSC/NSCFIG1.html
Map of Ancient Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamia
http://www.mesopotamia.co.uk/menu.html
Information prepared by the British Museum about three ancient Mesopotamian civilizations: Assyria, Babylon, and Sumer.
Odyssey Online: Near East
http://carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/NEAREAST/homepg.html
Ancient Near Eastern daily life, people, mythology, death and burial, and more.
Tombs of the Assyrian Queens
http://www.aina.org/aol/nimrud/
Photos and descriptions of tombs of the city of Nimrod and the objects that have been excavated there.
Ziggurat
http://www.livius.org/za-zn/ziggurat/ziggurat.html
Find out about this most characteristic building of Mesopotamian culture.

North American Prehistory

Big Game Hunting in North America
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/northamerica/linked/hunters.html
How the first humans affected the ecology of the North American continent.
Early North American Cultures
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/northamerica/culture/index.html
Use the clickable map to see linked timelines for various areas in North America.
Meet Kennewick Man
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/first/kennewick.html
Learn how scientists and artists collaborated to produce a reproduction of Kennewick Man's appearance from excavated remains.
New Evidence Puts Man In North America 50,000 Years Ago
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041118104010.htm
New evidence on dating the arrival of first humans in North America.
North America's First People
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/programmes/tv/wildnewworld/ancestors.shtml
A summary of the primary theories on how people first arrived on the North American continent.
North American Economy
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/northamerica/before1500/economy/index.htm
How the ancient people of North America supported themselves.
North American Food
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/northamerica/before1500/food/index.htm
A description of the foods eaten by the native peoples of North America.
Polar Energy
http://whyfiles.org/061polar/anthro.html
More discussion of how and when humans first reached North America.

Persia

Timeline of Persian History
http://www.mage.com/TLbody.html
A description of significant events in Persian history from 8000 BC to through to the Islamic period and beyond.
Persia or Iran: A Brief History
http://www.art-arena.com/history.html
Learn about the history of Persia (present-day Iran) from 3500 B.C. to the end of the nineteenth century.
Ancient Persia
http://www.jmu.edu/orgs/persianclub/newpage/persia_art.htm
The history of ancient Persia from the Neolithic to the Sassanians.
The Parthian Empire
http://www.parthia.com/
Learn about history, geography, coins, art and culture in this empire that ruled from 247 B.C. to A.D. 228 in ancient Persia (Iran).
Ancient Persia
http://www.livius.org/persia.html
A collection of short articles about ancient Persian places, historical figures, and other topics.
Ancient Persia
http://www.ancientpersia.com/
Find out about Persian history, arts, geography, people and religion.

Romans

General

Ancient Rome Projects
http://www.union.k12.ia.us/UKHS/WebQuest/Ancient%20Roman%20Projects/RomanWebQuest.htm
Many links to information on Ancient Rome.
Antique Roman Dishes - Collection
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~mjw/recipes/ethnic/historical/ant-rom-coll.html
Ancient Roman recipes.
The Forum Romanum
http://www.vroma.org/~forum/forum.html
Take a virtual tour of the Roman Forum, with descriptions and history of the major buildings.
Gods and Goddesses of Rome
http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/deities.html
Descriptions of Roman gods and goddesses with accompanying images.
Journey Back in Time to Ancient Rome!
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webquests/rome/
This site takes you on a webquest. Find out what the task is and what your role will be!
Maps of the Roman Empire
http://blogs.dalton.org/rome/map-resources/
Links to various maps related to the Roman Empire. Pages may be slow to load because of the map graphics.
Odyssey Online: Rome
http://carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/ROME/homepg.html
Ancient Roman daily life, people, mythology, death and burial, and more.
Roma: History and Civilization of the Eternal City
http://www.mclink.it/n/citrag/roma/eng_home.htm
Find out about the era of the republic, the era of the empire, Roman culture (houses, clothes, food, games, and more), religion, history, legends, monuments, economy and political system.
The Romans
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/romans/
From the BBC education site, this page explains who the Romans were, what the empire and the republic were, and presents the emperors, senators, Roman leisure, education, and religion. Also includes maps.
Rome Project
http://intranet.dalton.org/groups/rome/
Created by the Dalton School in New York City, this site provides links to sites on Roman politics, literature, philosophy, religion, drama, military and more.
Territorial Expansion of the Roman World
http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/firsteuro/roman.html
Text provides the background of the Roman expansion from early Roman rule through the late Roman Empire.

Colosseum

The Colosseum: Emblem of Rome
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/colosseum_01.shtml
This site provides a look at the construction and plans to build the Colosseum, the arena and the desire to build a spectacular experience.
The Colosseum
http://www.the-colosseum.net/idx-en.htm
This site presents the history of the Colosseum, detailed information about the games held there and its architecture.
The Colosseum: Building the Arena of Death
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/launch_ani_colosseum.shtml
BBC presents this video to illustrate the six key elements of its design that make it stand out as one of the world's most amazing architectural feats.

Gladiators & games

Gladiator: Dressed to Kill
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/launch_gms_gladiator.shtml
You become the gladiator. Select the clothes, the weapons and discover if your choices lead to victory or death.
Gladiator: Heroes of the Roman Amphitheater
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/gladiators_01.shtml
What were the rules and regulations of fighting, fighting styles and what was barrack life like? Find out here.
The Roman Gladiator
http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/consortium/gladiators.html
This site focuses on the life of the gladiator. Find out who were gladiators, how they trained, their public perception, how they hunted animals and more.
Roman Gladiatoral Games
http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/classics/gladiatr/index.htm
Discover the different types of gladiators, the origins and politics of the games, what animals were involved at this site.

Military

Organization of the Roman Imperial Legion
http://www.unrv.com/military/legion.php
A detailed description of organization and ranking of the imperial Roman legions.
Roman Battle Tactics
http://www.roman-empire.net/army/tactics.html
How the Romans fought battles.
The Roman Navy
http://www.unrv.com/military/roman-navy.php
The development of Roman naval power and the role played by the navy in support of the Roman legions
Roman Weapons and Tactics
http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/Romans/weapons/weapons.html
Armour worn by the Roman soldiers, their weapons and tactics.
The Structure of a Legion
http://www.livius.org/le-lh/legio/legions.htm
All the legions of the empire listed by period.

Slavery

Resisting Slavery in Ancient Rome
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/slavery_01.shtml
About 25% of the Roman people were slaves. What were their lives like? Were there rebellions? What was day to day life like? Find out here. Links at left of text continue article.
Slavery in Ancient Rome
http://www.dl.ket.org/latinlit/mores/slaves/index.htm
This site explains the origins of slavery in Ancient Rome and the difference between a house slave and a country slave.

Society

Roman Women: Following the Clues
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/roman_women_01.shtml
This site explains the role women had in Ancient Rome, from virtuous women to working women.
Social Pecking Order in the Roman World
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/social_structure_01.shtml
BBC presents a site to explain people's status in Ancient Rome, from citizen to non-citizen, influence, connections and wealth's role in status and the status symbols that illustrated station.
Women in Ancient Rome
http://www.womenintheancientworld.com/women_in_ancient_rome.htm
This site presents details about how women were treated and what roles they had during Ancient Roman times.

The Silk Road

Cities and Architecture Along the Silk Road
http://depts.washington.edu/silkroad/cities/cities.html
Click on individual cities from the list on the left side of the screen and see photos of still-existing structures from the Silk Road period.
Cultures of the Silk Road
http://depts.washington.edu/silkroad/exhibit/timeline.html
A cultural time line for the peoples of the Mediterranean, Middle East, Central Asia, and China that were involved in the Silk Road trade. Click on the name of any culture and learn more.
Dunhuang Grottoes
http://www.index-china-travel.com/scenery-Dunhuan-t00.htm
A slide show of Buddhist grottoes at Dunhuang, the Chinese gateway to the Silk Road.
Central Asian Clothing
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/centralasia/clothing/index.htm
Information on cloth production and clothing during ancient times in Central Asia.
Central Asian Food
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/centralasia/food/index.htm
What people grew and ate during ancient times in Central Asia.
Central Asian Environment
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/centralasia/environment/index.htm
The geography and climate of Central Asia during ancient times.
Inner Mongolia Yields New Discoveries
http://english.china.com/zh_cn/culture_history/treasured_past/11020716/20040802/11812895.html
News about a recent excavation of a Neolithic site in Inner Mongolia.
Mongolian Empire
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/CHEMPIRE/YUAN.HTM
The Mongol empire in China.
Mongols
http://mongols.mrdonn.org/dailylife.html
Mongol customs and history.
Route of the Silk Road
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/silk-road/route.htm
A map of the Silk Road region and its routes.
Scythians
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/westasia/history/scythians.htm
A brief history of the Scythians.
Scythians--A Mysterious History
http://eeuropeanhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/scythians___a_mysterious_history
Who the Scythians were and what remains of their culture.
The Silk Road
http://www.ess.uci.edu/~oliver/silk.html
A history of the Silk Road region. Be sure to click on the link at the top of the page to see photos of archeological sites as well as present day cities.
Silk Road History
http://gallery.sjsu.edu/silkroad/history.htm
An early written account by a Chinese traveler of a journey over the Silk Road in 138 BCE.
Silk Road Religion
http://gallery.sjsu.edu/silkroad/religion.htm
Buddhism along the Silk Road.
Silk Road Culture
http://gallery.sjsu.edu/silkroad/culture.htm
The multicultural exchanges made along the Silk Road .
The Takla Makan Mummies
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/chinamum/
Learn about the mummies that were preserved in the Central Asian desert, and what they tell us about the connections between East and West as far back as 1000 BC.
Traditional Cultures in Central Asia
http://depts.washington.edu/silkroad/culture/culture.html
Information about the pastoral people that lived along the Silk Road.
Travelers on the Silk Road
http://www.silk-road.com/artl/srtravelmain.shtml
Brief biographies of travelers, beginning in the tenth century B.C.E., who traveled the route that became the Silk Road.

South America

Chavin
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/cultures/chavin.html
A short article with a few images of artwork.
Chimu
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/cultures/chimu.html
A brief article on the history of this ancient tribe.
Moche
http://www.travelvantage.com/per_moch.html
A brief but useful overview of this Peruvian tribe.
Moche
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/cultures/moche.html
A brief overview of this tribe's history and a few images.
Nazca
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/cultures/nazca.html
A brief overview of this tribe's history and a few images.
South American Sites and Cultures
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/south/satable.html
Information about the Inca, Nazca, Aymara, Chimu, Nazca, Chavin, Yanomamo and other South American cultures and some of their archaeological sites.
Tupi
http://www.trainweb.org/panama/history.html#overview
A short history since 1501.
Yanomamo
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/southamerica/yonomamo.html
Read about their history, language and daily life.

Vikings

The Runic Journey
http://www.tarahill.com/runes/
"Runes are an alphabetic script used by the peoples of Northern Europe from the first century c.e. until well into the Middle Ages." Find out about this language's history, its meanings and more.
The Vikings
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/vikings/
Who the vikings were, their famous ships, and how to write your name in runes.
The Vikings
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/
Daily life, Viking food, warfare, religion and much more.
The Vikings: the North Atlantic Saga
http://www.mnh.si.edu/vikings/start.html
The Vikings' path to North America and what we know about the their settlements along the way. Click on the numbered circles on the map for more information.

Wonders of the World

Destination: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
http://www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/9705/seven.wonders/
CNN presents a brief description of each of the seven ancient wonders.
Forgotten Wonders Clickable Map
http://www.wonderclub.com/ForgottenMap.html
Just click on the map locations or on the links below to see extraordinary places in the ancient world not included in The Seven Wonders.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0123829/Index2.html
Learn about the Seven Wonders of the World here! Click on the list at the left of the page.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Tour
http://unmuseum.mus.pa.us/wonders.htm
This site provides lots of information on each of the Seven Wonders--including what the ancients themselves thought of each of these structures. Just click on the link at the left side of the screen.
Treasures of the Sunken City
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sunken/
NOVA Online takes us off the coast of ancient Alexandria, Egypt and down under the Mediterranean Sea to discover the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the ancient wonders of the world. High graphics may lead this site to load slow. Text version is available.